New Hughes Fire Consumes Over 10,000 Acres North of Los Angeles

January 23, 2025 TruthUSA

The recent wildfire triggered mandatory evacuation orders for over 30,000 residents, including detainees at a correctional facility.

Breaking out on Wednesday morning in a rugged mountainous region north of Los Angeles, the Hughes Fire has surged to more than 10,000 acres. This wildfire has prompted evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands of individuals, including those held at a Los Angeles detention center.

As of 10:22 p.m., the blaze, which spans both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, was reported to be 14 percent contained. According to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, no structures have been lost to the fire so far, as detailed in a press conference held on Wednesday evening.

Currently, 4,000 firefighters are on the ground; about 32,000 individuals are subject to evacuation orders, with an additional 23,000 under evacuation warnings, he noted.

Approximately six miles north of Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Hughes Fire ignited around 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). In just two hours, it consumed 5,000 acres, causing darkened skies and ash to fall as far away as Ventura, roughly 50 miles from Castaic.

Evacuations on Wednesday included nearly 500 inmates from the Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center, located about five miles south of the fire’s origin. The inmates were relocated to another facility on the same campus, as stated by Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. Pitchess usually holds about 4,500 male inmates. During the press conference Wednesday evening, it was reported that inmates were sheltered within the facility’s concrete structures.

In response to poor visibility caused by the fire on the Grapevine, a mountainous route north of Los Angeles, the California Highway Patrol temporarily closed Interstate 5, a primary north-south route. The highway has since been reopened.

Fire conditions are primarily driven by weather, Marrone emphasized. “The situation continues to evolve, and this fire is proving to be difficult to control, although we are starting to gain the upper hand.”

A red-flag warning for extreme fire risk will remain in effect across large portions of Southern California until Friday as dry Santa Ana winds sweep through the region.

While conditions have improved slightly, with winds less intense compared to the Palisades and Eaton fires earlier this January and more resources available, challenges still persist.

“Our first responders are doing remarkable work to manage this fire,” remarked Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler.

“This fire witnessed a significant response today… However, we are certainly not out of danger yet,” Tyler added.

Sheriff Luna advised residents under mandatory evacuations or warnings to evacuate their homes immediately. He assured that law enforcement would be present in evacuated areas to prevent looting during this emergency.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state is prepared to assist local efforts to tackle the fire.

“State resources have been dispatched to the Hughes Fire in the Angeles National Forest to support federal efforts,” he tweeted on X. “We will keep a close watch on the situation and provide the federal government with any necessary support to extinguish this fire.”

By 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire had mobilized 20 pre-positioned engines, 4 hand crews, 4 bulldozers, and aircraft to aid in combating the Hughes Fire, as shared by the agency on X.

“In total, over 1,100 firefighters were strategically pre-dispatched across the area to tackle the ongoing critical fire weather under Red Flag Warnings,” Cal Fire noted.

The National Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) fleet has been stationed at the Channel Islands as southern California contends with severe fire conditions.

“MAFFS are specialized units outfitted in military aircraft to release fire retardant over active wildfires,” Cal Fire shared on X. “These units can dispense up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant within seconds through a rear-facing nozzle.”

While Orange County and San Diego are forecasted to receive measurable rainfall this weekend, the National Weather Service does not expect significant precipitation in Los Angeles, which has a 40 percent chance of rain on Saturday, rising to 70 percent Saturday night. Sunday may also see some rain, with chances diminishing on Monday.

Similar likelihoods for rainfall are predicted for Castaic.

Wildfires have been affecting Los Angeles and Ventura counties since January 7. The Palisades Fire has consumed 23,448 acres and is 68 percent contained as of now. Cal Fire estimates that approximately 6,000 structures may have been damaged or destroyed.

Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has burnt over 14,021 acres and is currently 95 percent contained, with more than 9,000 structures reported lost. Currently, there are 571 evacuees in six shelter locations. The Foothill Water District plans to conduct water testing for up to two weeks before lifting a standing “Do Not Drink” order.

Source link